This ultimately depends on the length of the cruise. However, in general, most cruises do not venture up to the northern part of Alaska where there are only snow. Most of the ports you go to are covered by wilderness and greenery, such as their capital. The cruise itself may go sightseeing at certain glaciers, which will be as north as the cruise goes.
There are many websites to visit to get information on Alaskan cruises. A few to check out are www.royalcaribbean.com and www.alaskatravel.com/Alaska-cruises.
You will find consumer reviews from a multitude of Alaskan cruises and ships at Cruise Critic dot com. Simply visit the site, find "community" on the menu bar and go to member reviews.
The best discounts on Alaskan cruises are for cruises leaving during the months of May and September. Alaskan cruises run from May through September. The most expensive times for an Alaskan cruise are during the warmer months of July and August.
Most Canadian cruises leave from Vancouver. This is the starting point for the popular Alaskan cruises. They make stops in about 5 or 6 Alaskan ports before returning to Vancouver.
Best Price Cruises has many listings on Alaskan cruises, including last minute cruises and has a tab for the top cruise deals. In addition to that, it has a cruise planner which you may find useful.
Alaskan Cruises cost more money than any other cruises, mainly due to the location and the costs incurred obtaining amenities on board. You could look at off peak times for Alaskan Cruises in order to get the lower price.
Alaskan cruises depart from Seattle, Vancouver and San Francisco. Cruises departing from Seattle and Vancouver usually last 7 nights while cruises departing from San Francisco usually last 10 nights.
A local travel agency may be able to help you find discounted Alaskan cruises. You can also look for discount Alaskan cruises on websites such as www.alaskacruises.com, www.cruiseshopping.com, and www.alaskacruise2011.com
I find the best deals for Alaskan Cruises can be found at Expedia dot com. Expedia has a complete package that includes the cruise and hotel accommodations.
I am not sure what travel agencies book Alaskan cruises. I would check out well known cruise lines such as Carnival lines to see if they offer them up.
There are no available Alaskan cruises during the Christmas holidays. This is mainly due to cold weather and ice formations therefore it is not safe during the winter months.
There are many different length Alaskan cruises to choose from. Generally a good length would be three to seven days depending on how extensive you want the cruise to be and where you leave from.